The couple Lita and Trúc Di?n were still causing a commotion at the cinema, the atmosphere as tense and explosive as a blockbuster action film — so much so that everyone couldn’t help but turn their heads. In stark contrast, Trang and Erion were lost in a gentle, dreamy serenity.

  Inside a seaside villa with a breathtaking ocean view, Trang quietly gazed at the V?ng Tàu shoreline. The blue waves lapped against the coast, the salty breeze brushed through her hair, and the golden sand stretched endlessly like a ribbon of silk. Swimmers and photographers dotted the scene, forming a living painting that looked as if it had stepped out of an artist’s canvas.

  Erion walked up and wrapped his arms around her from behind, his warm breath brushing her ear:

  – “This moment feels so peaceful… I’ve longed for it for so long.”

  Trang smiled softly, her eyes still fixed on the vast sea:

  – “Me too… I’ve always wanted a strong shoulder to lean on when I felt tired. I used to think I had nothing, that no one would ever want to stay by my side. But I never realized… the universe had created a man just for me.”

  Erion tightened his hold around her waist, his voice steady like a vow:

  – “And the universe created a princess just for me. Let’s live happily together. No one will ever disturb us again.”

  Back at the Bình Chánh headquarters, Prince Arian was remotely controlling a satellite to monitor the two couples’ dates. On the 180-degree curved screen, the scenes were crystal clear — on one side, the sweet romance of Trang and Erion, and on the other, the noisy, over-the-top drama of Lita and Trúc Di?n, like a royal court battle.

  Everyone sighed in admiration at the villa’s romantic view. But when their eyes turned to the cinema scene, they could only laugh and shake their heads.

  Din clutched his stomach, laughing bitterly:

  – “Good heavens, I’ve never seen a couple whose very first date looks like a battlefield.”

  Yin sipped her cappuccino, chuckling:

  – “Looks like the Serpent King will have to fear his wife from now on. Let’s hope he can handle her.”

  A little demon, biting into a sponge cake, burst into laughter:

  – “If the Serpent King slips up, Lady Lita might just roast him into grilled snake!”

  Even Satan, the Demon King, shook his head, his voice carrying hidden amusement:

  – “I do feel a bit sorry for Trúc Di?n. But fate has already chosen — he’ll just have to accept it… good luck, my son-in-law!”

  The old Grand Thái S? sneered:

  – “So we’re supposed to take our son-in-law’s side now, aren’t we, my lord?”

  Prince Arian turned to Master V?nh, who rested his chin on his hand, watching his junior’s date:

  – “You seem a little dizzy yourself. But you’ll have to admit, love is unpredictable.”

  Master V?nh nodded, yet chuckled helplessly:

  – “That’s true. My junior has found his destined one. Be strong — I believe you’ll get through it.”

  Laughter echoed through the grand hall. Everyone could already imagine the plight of the Serpent King, Trúc Di?n, once he married a stubborn and haughty princess of the underworld.

  Inside the cinema, the atmosphere was as tense as a drawn bowstring. Two demonic bodyguards, each towering over 1.8 meters with rippling muscles and stone-cold faces, sat at the aisle seats. Between them were Lita and Trúc Di?n, looking very much like an “Italian mafia princess” on a date. The surrounding audience sat stiff with fear, not daring to whisper a single word.

  Trúc Di?n shook his head slightly, murmuring just enough for Lita to hear:

  – “This feels more like a battlefield than a date.”

  Lita shot him a sideways glance, her lips curling into a proud smirk:

  – “You’d better get used to it. I’m not the gentle type. If you ever sneak around with another girl, I won’t let it slide.”

  One bodyguard spoke in a monotone, making Trúc Di?n pinch the bridge of his nose in helpless frustration:

  – “All events are transmitted back to headquarters through military satellites and high-level operatives. The Serpent King’s chance of cheating is zero percent. The princess can rest assured.”

  The other bodyguard, just as expressionless, added as if reciting multiplication tables:

  – “If any individual attempts to seduce or approach the Serpent King, a single command from the Dark Lord and the operatives will eliminate the threat immediately. The princess need not worry.”

  Meanwhile, at the seaside villa where Trang and Erion were basking in happiness, the Black Crystal Mirror on the sofa table suddenly glowed. From its surface poured a swirl of black-violet light, warping space itself. Erion gently pulled Trang to sit down as the image sharpened: C?u D?ng’s villa was transforming into a frozen winter palace.

  In the middle of the courtyard, C?u D?ng lit a large fire in a desperate attempt to ward off the cold. Yet the stronger the flames burned, the thicker the ice grew. The sound of crack, crack—like millions of glass shards shattering—echoed through the garden, sending chills down spines.

  Erion sneered, his low voice reverberating with contempt:

  – “I told you already — the hotter the fire, the faster the ice spreads. You didn’t believe me?”

  Trang frowned slightly, puzzled:

  – “Why don’t you let the sunlight shine in instead of using spatial energy to block it out?”

  A mischievous glint flickered in Erion’s eyes as his lips curled into a half-smile:

  – “Because I don’t want humans recording anything. And more importantly, I won’t let the sunlight warm them. Just wait… tonight will be interesting.”

  In the garden that now resembled Antarctica, the ice expanded in direct proportion to the flames’ heat — a phenomenon completely defying science. Everyone was left gaping.

  Ti?n tilted his head toward the sky, his voice trembling:

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  – “It’s true… sunlight can’t reach this place. Outside it’s blazing hot, but in here it’s as dark as night.”

  Huy, the centipede spirit, shivered uncontrollably, stammering:

  – “Wh… what kind of unnatural thing is this? Everything is against the laws of nature…”

  Tu?n turned to C?u D?ng, his expression stern:

  – “Do you believe in magic?”

  C?u D?ng scoffed, half believing, half doubting:

  – “Magic? As if that exists. And if it did… who would wield it?”

  Mr. Tín whispered to his wife and children:

  – “Our centipede clan has never heard of such a thing… powers that overturn the laws of physics themselves.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t trembled, both from the cold and from worry:

  – “So what has your in-law family done to provoke people like this? They never act without a reason.”

  The entire family exchanged shocked looks. The laws of nature had been utterly overturned. None of them knew what terrifying events would unfold that night at C?u D?ng’s villa—exactly as Erion had forewarned.

  The mysterious phenomenon continued. Watching the ice grow at a speed visible to the naked eye, Deep panicked and shouted:

  – “We have to put out the fire right now! If not, C?u D?ng’s villa will never thaw!”

  Just as C?u D?ng was about to grab the water hose near the garage, Huy rushed ahead:

  – “Let me handle it, Uncle!”

  He seized the hose and sprayed directly onto the flames. Instantly, the freezing phenomenon began to slow, then stopped altogether once the fire was completely extinguished. Everyone stared at one another in astonishment:

  Tu?n frowned, his voice full of disbelief.

  – “So it really was magic behind this… but who is responsible?”

  C?u D?ng and M? Linh exchanged uneasy glances. Their faces turned pale as the same thought crossed their minds: the vengeful spirits of H?nh and Qu?c. They feared all these bizarre events were retribution.

  At that moment, Anh Th? suddenly clutched her stomach with a cry of pain. Huy hurried to support her:

  – “Are you alright? You don’t look well.”

  Anh Th? winced, unable to respond before Mr. Tài quickly offered advice:

  – “Take her to my house to rest. It’s warmer there, and she’s pregnant.”

  Without hesitation, the group moved across the street to Mr. Tài’s home. Sure enough, the atmosphere there was far more comfortable.

  Meanwhile, at the seaside villa, Erion observed everything through the Black Crystal Mirror, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile:

  – “Looks like a second ice-bound villa will appear soon.”

  Just then, Chen, the attendant, entered respectfully.

  – “My Lord General, Princess, the dishes are prepared. Please enjoy your meal.”

  Erion took Trang’s hand and led her to the back of the villa. Before them stretched a magnificent seafood barbecue feast, accompanied by chilled fruit tea, under a bright sunny sky and refreshing sea breeze — a true masterpiece.

  He pulled out her chair, then sat across and placed a large grilled shrimp onto her plate:

  – “These dishes were prepared by chefs from Yin’s food company. Absolutely delicious.”

  Trang took a bite — the shell crisp, the shrimp fresh and tender, bursting with flavor. She smiled with delight:

  – “It’s wonderful… now I see why Mr. Yin’s company is so famous.”

  With gentle grace, she placed a piece of grilled octopus onto Erion’s plate.

  The image of the couple sharing food sweetly, framed by the idyllic seaside view, filled the space with an atmosphere of warmth and romance.

  As for the other couple… After a lively movie screening at the theater, Lita, along with Trúc Di?n and two secret agents, stepped into a black Maybach bound for a famous Japanese restaurant. The moment they entered, the restaurant owner — who happened to be a mid-rank demon — immediately recognized their noble identities.

  He rushed forward, bowing deeply and respectfully:

  – “This humble servant greets Princess Lita. Please, Your Highness, allow me to escort you to the VIP area.”

  His eyes shifted toward Trúc Di?n, pausing briefly:

  – “And this gentleman is…?”

  One of the agents stepped in, speaking solemnly:

  – “This is Serpent King Trúc Di?n, the second son-in-law of the Dark Lord.”

  At those words, the owner’s face paled. He bent lower still, his manner turning even more reverent as he led the way.

  Walking close beside Lita, Trúc Di?n muttered, his tone edged with irritation:

  – “When did I agree to marry you? I only came along today because you insisted on going out.”

  Lita shot him a sharp glance, lips curling into a sly smirk:

  – “I don’t know. But if I agree to go out with someone, that means the deal is sealed.”

  The atmosphere at the table instantly grew heavy, weighed down by the princess’s stubborn, imperious presence. Her “date” was the complete opposite of the Black Diamond Erion — gentle, affectionate, and romantic. Though both were called “future sons-in-law of the Satanic Lord”, their fates after marriage promised to be vastly different.

  ---

  Meanwhile, at Mr. Tài’s house — a place untouched by Erion’s powers — the group was still trembling from the unnatural chill. Huy sneezed repeatedly, grumbling:

  – “I think I caught a cold… never seen such a bizarre power before.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t, Mr. Tài’s wife, together with Anh ?ào, brought in trays of hot tea and pastries. Her voice was warm and caring:

  – “Please, have some tea to warm yourselves.”

  Nearby, Dì T? and M? Linh fussed over Anh Th?, who was suffering from heavy morning sickness. Her face had grown alarmingly pale.

  Hi?u, meanwhile, was visibly annoyed. With his phone in one hand and his camera gear in the other, he muttered in frustration:

  – “This makes no sense! I saw the frozen mansion with my own eyes, yet not a single device can capture it…”

  Standing close by, Tu?n overheard and quickly pulled out his phone to record. But when he switched on the camera, the screen filled only with static and distortion, like an old TV struggling to catch a signal.

  He showed the flickering screen to Ti?n, Deep, and C?u D?ng:

  – “Look at this — my phone can’t record anything either.”

  Even Mr. Tín stepped closer, frowning:

  – “Strange indeed… how could such a thing be possible?”

  The group was left bewildered. These eerie phenomena defied all scientific logic. What they didn’t know was that they were already standing on a cosmic chessboard, where a master of the universe was carefully making each move.

  The sun dipped low, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange that stretched across the horizon, blending into the rippling waves of the sea. Trang and Erion strolled leisurely along the shoreline, their bare feet brushing the soft sand as the cool ocean tide caressed their every step.

  Holding her hand tightly, Erion’s deep voice resonated within the dreamy twilight:

  – “This moment is truly special… In over a thousand years, I’ve never experienced anything like it. Let’s cherish these moments together, shall we?”

  Trang looked up at him, her eyes shimmering as a tender smile curved her lips:

  – “We’ll build a future together — a future filled with beauty and meaning.”

  Beneath the enchanting glow of the sunset, they shared a gentle kiss — soft, yet overflowing with love. The two Black Diamonds became one, their love burning like an eternal flame of black fire.

  ---

  Meanwhile, in Saigon, on the Ba Son Bridge, Lita and Trúc Di?n walked side by side, gazing at the city bathed in romantic orange light.

  Trúc Di?n cast her a sidelong glance, his tone half-playful, half-serious:

  – “It’d be nice if someone could be as gentle as this sunset.”

  Lita shot him a sharp look, her ocean-blue eyes flickering with a dangerous gleam:

  – “I’m only gentle when I’m alone with you. But if any girl dares to intrude, I’ll have my agents deal with her immediately — no need for Father’s permission.”

  Trúc Di?n chuckled softly, shaking his head in helpless amusement. Yet within his racing heart, a fire of passion burned brightly. Lita might be proud and domineering before the world, but she revealed a softness reserved only for him. A princess of royal demonic blood—haughty to everyone else, but sweet in the love she kept solely for him.

  ---

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, Satan the Dark Lord and his companions gathered on the rooftop terrace, enjoying afternoon tea while watching the sunset. On the Velkhanis Mirror, the scene of Lita and Trúc Di?n appeared vividly. Smiling warmly, Satan remarked:

  – “I used to think she could never shed her spoiled, haughty nature. But now I see—when the right one comes along, she willingly changes.”

  Din, sipping rose tea, nodded with a knowing smile:

  – “So this is the princess who’s gentle only to one person… Trúc Di?n is truly fortunate.”

  Yin inclined his head slightly, his tone calm:

  – “That’s how women are when in love. They’re tender to their man, but if anything foul dares to interfere, they’ll fight to protect their happiness to the very end.”

  The Grand Thái S?, slowly savoring a bowl of rock-sugar bird’s nest, added with a deep gaze:

  – “That’s human nature… When faced with danger, people will do anything to protect what they hold dear. It’s instinct — an innate reflex in love.”

  Master V?nh sipping Shan Tuy?t tea, smiled:

  – “At last, my junior has found his true love. May both you and Lita, as well as Trang and Erion, always be blessed with happiness.”

  Beside him, Crown Prince Arian clasped H?ng Nhung’s hand, a playful smile tugging his lips:

  – “As for us, we’ve already found each other long ago. We just haven’t… sealed the deal yet.”

  H?ng Nhung, flustered, cast him a shy glance:

  – “What do you mean by that?”

  The Dark Lord burst into hearty laughter:

  – “He means sealing it with a wedding. I’ve said it before — once the two Black Diamonds embrace their love and become one, we’ll hold the weddings for the both of you as well.”

  The Grand Thái S? lifted her eyes to the sky, now awash in fiery orange hues, her heart swelling with joy:

  – “So, the Satanic Royal Family will soon have a wedding. It will be a day of great celebration for our dynasty.”

  Everyone silently offered their blessings to the couples. No one was alone anymore, no one left in solitude. New journeys were about to begin.